Positional applicator device for use with stretchable electronic devices and related methods

ABSTRACT

Positional applicator devices and methods are for application of stretchable electronics relative to subsurface features of an object. In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includes: a holder for a stretchable electronic device; a signal emitter positioned to direct an emitted signal toward a surface of an object; a receiver positioned to detect a return signal from the surface of the object; circuitry operably connected to the signal emitter and the receiver, the circuitry configured to compare the emitted signal with the return signal in order to identify surface and subsurface features of the object; circuitry configured to compare the identified features with a map of surface and subsurface features of the object stored in memory; and a positioner, the positioner structured to apply the stretchable electronic device to a position on the surface of the object.

If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date ofthis application, it is incorporated herein by reference. Anyapplications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119,120, 121, or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent,great-grandparent, etc. applications of such applications, are alsoincorporated by reference, including any priority claims made in thoseapplications and any material incorporated by reference, to the extentsuch subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the earliest availableeffective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the“Priority Applications”), if any, listed below (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Priority Application(s)).

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

None.

If the listings of applications provided above are inconsistent with thelistings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claimpriority to each application that appears in the DomesticBenefit/National Stage Information section of the ADS and to eachapplication that appears in the Priority Applications section of thisapplication.

All subject matter of the Priority Applications and of any and allapplications related to the Priority Applications by priority claims(directly or indirectly), including any priority claims made and subjectmatter incorporated by reference therein as of the filing date of theinstant application, is incorporated herein by reference to the extentsuch subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includes: aholder for a stretchable electronic device; a signal emitter positionedto direct an emitted signal toward a surface of an object; a receiverpositioned to detect a return signal from the surface of the object;circuitry operably connected to the signal emitter and the receiver, thecircuitry configured to compare the emitted signal with the returnsignal in order to identify surface and subsurface features of theobject; circuitry configured to compare the identified surface andsubsurface features with a map of surface and subsurface features of theobject stored in memory; and a positioner operably affixed to theholder, the positioner positioned and structured to apply thestretchable electronic device to a position on the surface of the objectbased on, or using information from, the comparison.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includes: aholder for a stretchable electronic device; a signal emitter positionedto direct an emitted signal toward a surface of an object; a signalreceiver positioned to detect a return signal from the surface of theobject, the return signal originating with the emitted signal directedfrom the signal emitter; a controller including circuitry operablyconnected to the signal emitter and to the signal receiver, thecircuitry configured to compare the emitted signal with the returnsignal to form a representation of features of the object, and circuitryconfigured to compare the representation of features of the object witha representation of features of the stretchable electronic device; auser interface operably attached to the controller; a positioneroperably affixed to the holder, the positioner positioned and structuredto apply, in response to the controller, the stretchable electronicdevice to a position on the surface of the object relative to therepresentation of features of the object and the representation offeatures of the stretchable electronic device; and an applicator of asize and shape to place the stretchable electronic device in contactwith the surface of the object, the applicator including a switchoperably attached to the controller.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of a body region includes: aholder for a stretchable electronic device; a signal emitter positionedto direct an emitted signal toward a surface of a body region; a signalreceiver positioned to detect a return signal from the surface, thereturn signal originating with the emitted signal directed from thesignal emitter; a controller including circuitry operably connected tothe signal emitter and the signal receiver, the circuitry configured tocompare the emitted signal with the return signal to form arepresentation of features of the body region, and circuitry configuredto compare the representation of features of the body region with arepresentation of features of the stretchable electronic device; a userinterface operably attached to the controller; a positioner operablyaffixed to the holder, the positioner positioned and structured toapply, in response to the controller, the stretchable electronic deviceto a position on the surface of the body region based on, or usinginformation from, the representation of features of the body region andthe representation of features of the stretchable electronic device; andan applicator of a size and shape to place the stretchable electronicdevice in contact with the surface of the body region, the applicatorincluding a switch operably attached to the controller.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an inanimate objectincludes: a holder for a stretchable electronic device; a signal emitterpositioned to direct an emitted signal toward a surface of an inanimateobject; a signal receiver positioned to detect a return signal from thesurface, the return signal originating with the emitted signal directedfrom the signal emitter; a controller including circuitry operablyconnected to the signal emitter and the signal receiver, the circuitryconfigured to compare the emitted signal with the return signal to forma representation of features of the inanimate object, and circuitryconfigured to compare the representation of features of the inanimateobject with a representation of features of the stretchable electronicdevice; a user interface operably attached to the controller; apositioner operably affixed to the holder, the positioner positioned andstructured to apply, in response to the controller, the stretchableelectronic device to a position on the surface of the inanimate objectbased on, or using information from, the representation of features ofthe inanimate object and the representation of features of thestretchable electronic device; and an applicator of a size and shape toplace the stretchable electronic device in contact with the surface ofthe inanimate object, the applicator including a switch operablyattached to the controller.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includes: aholder for a stretchable electronic device; a signal emitter positionedto direct an emitted signal toward a surface of an object; a signalreceiver positioned to detect a return signal from the surface, thereturn signal originating with the emitted signal directed from thesignal emitter; a controller including circuitry operably connected tothe signal emitter and the signal receiver, the circuitry configured tocompare the emitted signal with the return signal to form arepresentation of features of the object, and circuitry configured tocompare the representation of features of the object with arepresentation of features of the stretchable electronic device; apositioner operably affixed to the holder, the positioner positioned andstructured to apply, in response to the controller, the stretchableelectronic device to a position on the surface of the object based on,or using information from, the representation of features of the objectand the representation of features of the stretchable electronic device;a stabilizer of a size and shape to stabilize the surface of the objectrelative to the positioner; and an applicator of a size and shape toplace the stretchable electronic device in contact with the surface ofthe object, the applicator including a switch operably attached to thecontroller.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of a body region includes: aholder for a stretchable electronic device; a signal emitter positionedto direct an emitted signal toward a surface of a body region; a signalreceiver positioned to detect a return signal from the surface, thereturn signal originating with the emitted signal directed from thesignal emitter; a controller including circuitry operably connected tothe signal emitter and the signal receiver, the circuitry configured tocompare the emitted signal with the return signal to form arepresentation of features of the body region, and circuitry configuredto compare the representation of features of the body region with arepresentation of features of the stretchable electronic device; apositioner operably affixed to the holder, the positioner positioned andstructured to apply, in response to the controller, the stretchableelectronic device to a position on the surface of the body region basedon, or using information from, the representation of features of thebody region and the representation of features of the stretchableelectronic device; a stabilizer of a size and shape to stabilize thesurface of the body region relative to the positioner; and an applicatorof a size and shape to place the stretchable electronic device incontact with the surface of the body region, the applicator including aswitch operably attached to the controller.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes: initiating an emitted signalfrom a signal emitter, the emitted signal directed to a surface of anobject; detecting, with a receiver, a return signal from the emittedsignal; comparing, with circuitry, the emitted signal and the receivedreturn signal; forming a representation of features of the object basedon, or using information from, the comparison; and positioning astretchable electronic device relative to the surface of the object inrelation to the map.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes: retaining a stretchableelectronic device with a holder of a positional applicator device;initiating an emitted signal from a signal emitter of the positionalapplicator device, the emitted signal directed to a surface of anobject; detecting, with a signal receiver of the positional applicatordevice, a return signal from the emitted signal; comparing, withcircuitry of the positional applicator device, the emitted signal andthe received return signal; forming, in circuitry of the positionalapplicator device, a representation of features of the object based onthe comparison; comparing, in circuitry of the positional applicatordevice, a representation of features of the stretchable electronicdevice with the formed representation of features of the object based onthe comparison; indicating, with a user interface of the positionalapplicator device, a position for the stretchable electronic devicerelative to the surface of the object; and applying the stretchableelectronic device to the surface of the object.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of a body region includes: retaining a stretchableelectronic device with a holder of a positional applicator device;initiating an emitted signal from a signal emitter of the positionalapplicator device, the emitted signal directed to a surface of a bodyregion; detecting, with a signal receiver of the positional applicatordevice, a return signal from the emitted signal; comparing, withcircuitry of the positional applicator device, the emitted signal andthe received return signal; forming, in circuitry of the positionalapplicator device, a representation of features of the body region basedon the comparison; indicating, with a user interface of the positionalapplicator device, a position for the stretchable electronic devicerelative to the surface of the body region; and applying the stretchableelectronic device to the surface of the body region.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an inanimate object includes: retaining astretchable electronic device with a holder of a positional applicatordevice; initiating an emitted signal from a signal emitter of thepositional applicator device, the emitted signal directed to a surfaceof an inanimate object; detecting, with a signal receiver of thepositional applicator device, a return signal from the emitted signal;comparing, with circuitry of the positional applicator device, theemitted signal and the received return signal; forming, in circuitry ofthe positional applicator device, a representation of features of theinanimate object based on the comparison; indicating, with a userinterface of the positional applicator device, a position for thestretchable electronic device relative to the surface of the inanimateobject; and applying the stretchable electronic device to the surface ofthe inanimate object.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a body part with an affixed stretchableelectronic device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a body part with an affixed stretchableelectronic device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a body part with an affixed stretchableelectronic device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of an inanimate object with a stretchableelectronic device affixed to the surface of a region of interest.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a body part and a positional applicator devicefor a stretchable electronic device.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a positional applicator device for astretchable electronic device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a positional applicator device for astretchable electronic device in position relative to a surface of anobject.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a positional applicator device for astretchable electronic device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing aspects of the method of FIG. 10.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a method.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

In some situations, the performance and/or operation of a stretchableelectronic device worn on the body depends in part on the specificorientation and position of the stretchable electronic device on thesurface of the body part relative to one or more features underlying thesurface of the body part. For example, in some embodiments, astretchable electronic device is placed on a body part in order tomonitor an internal condition of the body, such as blood pressure,pulse, nerve activity, muscle activity, and/or motion of internalstructures. Precise positioning and orientation of the stretchableelectronic device can improve the ability of the device to carry outthis monitoring. See, e.g., Jeong et al., “Materials and OptimizedDesigns for Human-Machine Interfaces Via Epidermal Electronics,”Advanced Materials 25: 6839-6846 (2013), which is incorporated byreference. For example, a stretchable electronic device can include asensor of electrical activity at a specific location on the electronicdevice, and position of that sensor adjacent to a subsurface nerve canimprove the detection of electrical activity in that particular nerve.For example, a stretchable electronic device can include an antenna andbe configured to accept signals from an implanted medical device withina body, and to relay the received signals from the implant to anexternal device distal to the body. The position and orientation of thestretchable electronic device and its antenna can, in some situations,impact the functionality of the antenna and the relay of signals fromthe implant to an external device distal to the body. Similarly, astretchable electronic device can include an inductive coil and bepositioned and oriented to provide power to an implant located in asubsurface position in a body. For example, a stretchable electronicdevice can include a heater and a thermocouple, and the stretchableelectronic device can be configured to detect temperature of the objectand then to deliver heat to the object. For example, a stretchableelectronic device can include an RFID tag which is intended to be placedat a position or orientation relative to the object. Devices and methodsdescribed herein can be used to assist with the positioning andorientation of one or more stretchable electronic devices duringapplication to a surface of a body relative to subsurface features.

In some situations, the performance and/or operation of a stretchableelectronic device affixed to a surface of an inanimate object depends inpart on the specific orientation and position of the stretchableelectronic device on the surface of the inanimate object relative to oneor more features underlying the surface of the inanimate object. Forexample, in some embodiments, a stretchable electronic device is placedon an inanimate object in order to monitor an internal condition of theinanimate object, such as electrical activity, magnetic activity, sound,internal motion, and/or structural integrity of material. Precisepositioning and orientation of the stretchable electronic device canimprove the ability of the device to carry out this monitoring. Forexample, a stretchable electronic device can include a motion sensor,and positioning of the motion sensor adjacent to a motor within theinanimate object can improve detection of motion of the motor. Forexample, a stretchable electronic device can include an electricalsensor, and positioning of the electrical sensor adjacent to anelectrical conduit within the inanimate object can improve detection ofelectrical signals from the conduit. For example, a stretchableelectronic device can include a thermocouple or a radiator, and thestretchable electronic device can be configured to detect heat and thento disperse the heat along the surface of the object or transfer it toexternal air. The position and orientation of the thermocouple orradiator can, in some situations, alter the ability of the stretchableelectronic device to detect and disperse heat along the surface of theobject. Devices and methods described herein can be used to assist withthe positioning and orientation of one or more stretchable electronicdevices during application to a surface of an inanimate object relativeto subsurface features.

With reference now to FIG. 1, shown is an example of a stretchableelectronic device affixed to a human wrist that may serve as a contextfor introducing one or more processes and/or devices described herein.The use of the same symbols in different drawings typically indicatessimilar or identical items unless context dictates otherwise. Aspects ofthe figures are portrayed for purposes of illustration, and accordinglymay not be drawn to scale. FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment wherein astretchable electronic device is applied to a specific location on asurface, and orientation on the surface, relative to the underlyingfeatures underneath that specific surface. FIG. 1 depicts a stretchableelectronic device affixed to a human wrist relative to, inter alia, theblood vessels underlying the skin surface of the wrist. Although aparticular configuration of blood vessels is illustrated in FIG. 1, theprecise positioning of blood vessels in a particular human wrist variesbetween individuals. The features of a human body underlying thesurface, such as blood vessel position, may be partially visible or notvisible, depending on the individual person and their position at aparticular time. In addition, other features of a human body underlyingthe skin layer will vary between individuals, such as the size of a bodypart, the curvature and surface of the body part, and the compositionand precise position of the underlying features of the body part.Therefore, the exact positioning and orientation of a stretchableelectronic device will vary between individuals.

Some embodiments of the devices and methods are suitable for use toapply a stretchable electronic device to the surface of an inanimateobject, the stretchable electronic device positioned and orientedrelative to underlying features of the surface. For example, in someembodiments a stretchable electronic device can be applied to a surfaceof another device relative to features such as cracks, voids or gaps inthe structure underlying the surface, anticipated stress concentrationsites, electric connections under the surface, motors within theinanimate object, or other features within the inanimate object.Therefore, the exact positioning and orientation of a stretchableelectronic device relative to features under the surface can varybetween specific inanimate objects that are otherwise similar.

Some embodiments of the devices and methods are suitable for use toapply a stretchable electronic device to the surface of a plant, thestretchable electronic device positioned and oriented relative tounderlying features of the surface. For example, in some embodiments astretchable electronic device can be applied to a surface of a plantrelative to features such as pores, internal channels, internalcavities, buds, branch points, or other features within the plant.Therefore, the exact positioning and orientation of a stretchableelectronic device relative to features under the surface can varybetween specific plants that are otherwise similar.

FIG. 1 illustrates a human hand 120 and wrist 130 regions of a body. Thewrist 130 includes a region of interest 140 which includes a pluralityof blood vessels 145 under the skin, and adjacent to the skin layer.Although blood vessels 145 are illustrated in FIG. 1, similarly situatedblood vessels may or may not be visible in a given individual dependingon factors such as skin thickness and pigmentation of an individual. Astretchable electronic device 100 is affixed to the wrist 130 in theregion of interest 140. In some embodiments, the stretchable electronicdevice can be of a type and positioned to monitor different aspects ofthe underlying features of the adjacent surface. For example, inembodiments wherein a stretchable electronic device is affixed to asurface of a body part, the stretchable electronic device may bepositioned and oriented relative to features under the surface such asblood vessels, nerves, bones, fat deposits, muscle groups, skin layerthickness and composition, and prior surgical implants. The featuresunder the surface may not be visible to a user. See, e.g. Swisher etal., “Impedance Sensing Device Enables Early Detection of PressureUlcers in Vivo”, Nature Communications, 6: 6575, doi:10/1038.ncomms7575, which is incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, a stretchable electronic device can be positioned and orientedrelative to features that are included at the surface level, such asscar tissue, wrinkles, tattoos, pigmented regions, neoplastic regions,and wear regions. Features that are included at the surface level maynot be easily visible to a user. A stretchable electronic device canalso be positioned and oriented on a body part relative to cosmetic orcomfort desires of the wearer.

A “stretchable electronic device,” as used herein, includes a flexibleand stretchable substrate and attached electronic circuitry, the devicefabricated as an extremely thin structure of a size and shape to conformwith a surface of an object for a period of time, such as days or weeks.In some embodiments, a stretchable electronic device has a thickness onin the μm scale, and has a low Young's modulus, on the kPa scale (see,e.g. Kim et al., “Epidermal Electronics,” Science 333: 838-843, (2011),which is incorporated herein by reference). For example, in someembodiments a stretchable electronic device has an average thicknessless than 100 μm, and an average Young's modulus less than 100 kPa. Forexample, in some embodiments a stretchable electronic device has anaverage thickness less than 50 μm, and an average Young's modulus lessthan 80 kPa. For example, in some embodiments a stretchable electronicdevice has an average thickness less than 500 microns, and an averagemodulus less than or equal to 500 kPa (see, e.g. US Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2013/0041235, “Flexible and Stretchable ElectronicSystems for Epidermal Electronics, to Rodgers and Kim, which isincorporated herein by reference). In some embodiments, a stretchableelectronic device can be an epidermal electronic device (see, e.g. Kimet al., “Epidermal Electronics,” Science 333: 838-843, (2011), and Ma,“An Electronic Second Skin,” Science 333: 830-831, (2011), which areeach incorporated herein by reference). In some embodiments, astretchable electronic device can be a conformal electronic device. Insome embodiments, a stretchable electronic device includes a supportfabricated from silk fibroin (see, e.g. Kim et al., “Dissolvable Filmsof Silk Fibroin for Ultrathin, Conformal Bio-Integrated Electronics,”Nature Materials 9(6): 511-517 (2010), which is incorporated herein byreference). Some embodiments include a stretchable electronic devicefrom a support, which can include a support that is peeled off ordissolved away after application of the stretchable electronic device tothe surface (see, e.g.: Yeo et al., “Multifunctional EpidermalElectronics Printed Directly Onto the Skin,” Advanced Materials (2013),DOI: 10.1002/adma.201204426; US Patent Application Publication No.2012/0157804, “High-speed, High-resolution Electrophysiology In-vivoUsing Conformal Electronics” to Rogers et al.; Salvatore et al.,“Wafer-scale Design of Lightweight and Transparent Electronics thatWraps Around Hairs,” Nature Communications (2014) DOI:10.1038/ncomms3982; and US Patent Application Publication No.2013/0041235, “Flexible and Stretchable Electronic Systems for EpidermalElectronics, to Rodgers and Kim, which are each incorporated herein byreference). Some embodiments include a stretchable electronic deviceincluding a barrier layer. The barrier layer of a stretchable electronicdevice can include patterns to modulate contact between one or morefeatures of the stretchable electronic device and a surface affixed tothe stretchable electronic device (see, e.g., US Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2012/0157804, “High-speed, High-resolutionElectrophysiology In-vivo Using Conformal Electronics” to Rogers et al.,which is incorporated herein by reference).

A stretchable electronic device can include a plurality of inflexibleblocks, sometimes referred to as device islands, each affixed to asupport and integrated into a stretchable electronic device (see, e.g.:US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0041235, “Flexible andStretchable Electronic Systems for Epidermal Electronics, to Rodgers;U.S. Pat. No. 8,536,667, “Systems, Methods and Devices HavingStretchable Integrated Circuitry for Sensing and Delivering Therapy,” tode Graff et al; U.S. Pat. No. 8,097,926, “Systems, Methods and DevicesHaving Stretchable Integrated Circuitry for Sensing and DeliveringTherapy,” to de Graff et al; and Kim, and Kim et al., “Materials forStretchable Electronics in Bioinspired and Biointegrated Devices,” MRSBulletin 37: 226-235 (2012), which are each incorporated herein byreference). In some embodiments, each of the inflexible blocks includesa functional unit. For example, a functional unit can include atemperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, antenna,receiver, transmitter, electrical sensor, magnetic sensor, tensionsensor, processor, energy harvesting device, circuitry to any of thefunctional units, or other functional component. The inflexible blocksincluding functional units can be connected to each other by wireconnectors to create electrical circuitry system throughout thestretchable electronic device. The inflexible blocks includingfunctional units can be connected to each other by wireless connectorsto create electrical circuitry system throughout the stretchableelectronic device. See, e.g. US Patent Application Publication No.2011/0054583, “Flexible and Scalable Sensor Arrays for Recording andModulating Physiologic Activity,” to Litt and Viventi, which isincorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, a stretchableelectronic device can be fabricated by use of a stamp (see, e.g.: USPatent Application Publication No. 2007/0142619, “Forming ElectricalContacts to a Molecular Layer,” to Hsu et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.8,372,726,“Methods and Applications of Non-planar Imaging Arrays,” to deGraff et al., which are each incorporated herein by reference).

In some embodiments, a stretchable electronic device can be fabricatedwith a silicon wafer substrate (see, e.g., Hwang et al., “Materials andFabrication Processes for Transient and Bioresorbable High-performanceElectronics,” Advanced Materials (2013), DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201300127,which is incorporated herein by reference). In some embodiments, astretchable electronic device can be fabricated to include bioresorbableradio frequency electronics (see, e.g, Hwang et al., “Materials forBioresorbable Radio Frequency Electronics,” Advanced Materials (2013),DOI: 10.1002/adma.201300920, which is incorporated herein by reference).

A “user,” as used herein, is a person applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface. In embodiments wherein the stretchable electronicdevice is applied to the surface of a body part (e.g. the skin orepithelial tissue), the user can include a medical team member applyingthe stretchable electronic device. In some embodiments, devices andmethods as described herein can be used by an individual to apply astretchable electronic device to their own body surface(s) relative tofeatures underlying the surface, and a “user” can include theindividual. In some embodiments, a stretchable electronic device isapplied to the surface of an inanimate object, and the user is theperson who carries out the application relative to features underlyingthe surface of the object. Depending on the embodiment, a user can berepresentative of a human user, a robotic user (e.g., computationalentity), and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a user maybe assisted by one or more robotic agents) unless context dictatesotherwise.

FIG. 2 illustrates additional aspects of a stretchable electronic device100 applied to the skin surface of a wrist 130 relative to featuresunderlying the skin surface. The stretchable electronic device 100applied to the skin surface of a wrist 130 in a position and orientationfor best results of the stretchable electronic device 100. The wrist 130includes a region of interest 140 which includes a plurality of bloodvessels 145 under the skin. The stretchable electronic device 100depicted in FIG. 2 has been applied so that the stretchable electronicdevice 100 is positioned and oriented to maximize operability of thestretchable electronic device 100. The stretchable electronic device 100depicted in FIG. 2 has been applied so that the stretchable electronicdevice 100 is positioned and oriented to place two functional units 200of the stretchable electronic device 100 on the surface of the wrist 130at positions adjacent to underlying blood vessels 145. Depending on theembodiment, the two functional units 200 can be of one or more typesthat are the same as each other, or different from each other. The twofunctional units 200 of the stretchable electronic device 100 positionedon the skin surface adjacent to the underlying blood vessels 145 are ofa type that operate more efficiently, and/or with better results, whenpositioned on a surface adjacent to an underlying blood vessel. Forexample, the functional units could include, in some embodiments, apressure sensor configured to monitor blood pressure or pulse rate,and/or a light emitter and receiver configured for pulse oximetry. Thestretchable electronic device 100 has been positioned and orientedrelative to its major axes, identified as X and Y in FIG. 2. A thirdfunctional unit 210 of the stretchable electronic device 100 is not in aposition adjacent to a blood vessel 145. The third functional unit canbe of a type that does not operate more efficiently, and/or with betterresults, when positioned on a surface adjacent to an underlying bloodvessel. For example, the third functional unit could include, dependingon the embodiment, an antenna, a receiver, a transmitter, an energyharvesting device, or circuitry relating to another functional unit. Insome embodiments, a stretchable electronic device can be positioned andoriented based on a combination of features of a body underlying thesurface as well as those at the surface level (e.g. scars, wrinkles,pigmentation areas, neoplasias, etc.). In some embodiments, astretchable electronic device includes a barrier layer that createsregions of higher and lower contact of functional units of thestretchable electronic device with an affixed surface. In someembodiments, a stretchable electronic device can be positioned andoriented on a surface of an object by a positional applicator devicerelative to the barrier layer of the stretchable electronic device, oneor more functional units of the stretchable electronic device, andsubsurface features of the object.

FIG. 3 depicts aspects of a stretchable electronic device 100 applied tothe skin surface of a wrist 130. The stretchable electronic device 100depicted has not been applied to the skin surface of the wrist 130 in aposition and orientation to maximize operability of the stretchableelectronic device 100. The stretchable electronic device 100 depicted inFIG. 3 has been applied so that the stretchable electronic device 100 ispositioned and oriented to place all of the functional units 200, 210 ofthe stretchable electronic device 100 on the surface of the wrist 130 atpositions that are not adjacent to underlying blood vessels 145. Thestretchable electronic device 100 has been positioned and orientedrelative to its major axes, identified as X and Yin FIG. 3. Assumingthat two of the functional units 200 of the stretchable electronicdevice 100 are of type that operate with maximum efficiency when theyare placed on a skin surface adjacent to the blood vessels under theskin surface of the wrist, the position and orientation of thestretchable electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 3 does not promotemaximum efficiency of the stretchable electronic device 100 for at leastthose functional units.

FIG. 4 depicts an inanimate object 400 with a stretchable electronicdevice 100 affixed to the surface of a region of interest 140 of theinanimate object 400. The stretchable electronic device 100 is orientedon the surface of the region of interest 140 of the inanimate object 400relative to its major axes, identified as X and Y in FIG. 4. The regionof interest 140 includes at least a first feature 410 and a secondfeature 420 underlying the surface. For example, depending on theembodiment, the features can include: a region that requires thermalmonitoring, an electrical connection, a magnetic region, a motor, and/ora region of a structure that has the possibility of loosening orcracking due to stress or mechanical failure. Depending on theembodiment, a stretchable electronic device can include a plurality offunctional units of the same or of different types. For example,depending on the embodiment, a stretchable electronic device can includea plurality of functional units including: temperature sensors,accelerometers, tension sensors, vibrations sensors, magnetic sensors,electrical sensors, antennas, transmitters, receivers, and associatedcircuitry. In some embodiments, a region of interest can also includestructures at the surface that will influence the position andorientation of a stretchable electronic device, such as depressions,projections, connectors, edges, junctions, joints, seams, etc. Thestretchable electronic device can also be positioned and orientedrelative to these surface features as well as features underlying thesurface.

The stretchable electronic device 100 depicted in FIG. 4 includes afirst functional unit 440, a second functional unit 450, and a thirdfunctional unit 460. The stretchable electronic device 100 has beenapplied to the surface of the inanimate object 400 with an orientationand position so that the first functional unit 440 is positionedadjacent to the first feature 410. The stretchable electronic device 100has been applied to the surface of the inanimate object 400 with anorientation and position so that the second functional unit 450 ispositioned adjacent to the second feature 420. In addition, thestretchable electronic device 100 includes a third functional unit 460that can detect an unknown sub-surface feature, such as a crack orfracture in the structure of the inanimate object 400. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4, the third functional unit 460 may be able todetect an unknown sub-surface feature 430 that is a crack or fracture inthe structure of the inanimate object 400 underlying the surface. Anunknown sub-surface feature, such as a crack or fracture, may not bepresent initially in the structure of an inanimate object, but developover time. A stretchable electronic device can, in some embodiments, bepositioned and oriented so that one or more functional units of thestretchable electronic device are positioned adjacent to a subsurfaceregion that has the potential for cracks and fractures, for exampleduring stress or heat during use. A stretchable electronic device can,in some embodiments, be used to monitor for the potential of suchsubsurface features developing, changing, and/or expanding over time.

FIG. 5 depicts a human hand 120 with an associated wrist 130. The wrist130 includes a region of interest 140. The region of interest 140includes one or more features of interest, for example the illustratedblood vessels 145, under the surface of the skin. A positionalapplicator device 500 for applying a stretchable electronic device to asurface of an object, wherein the object is a part of a human body, ispositioned on the wrist 130 surface adjacent to the region of interest140. In some embodiments, the positional applicator device 500 includesa strap or other accessory to reversibly attach to the wrist duringapplication of the stretchable electronic device to the surface. In someembodiments, the positional applicator device 500 includes at least oneuser interface 510. For example, a positional applicator device caninclude a user interface that is a display, one or more lightindicators, one or more sound emitters, or other user interfacestructures.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includes: aholder for a stretchable electronic device; a signal emitter positionedto direct an emitted signal toward a surface of an object; a receiverpositioned to detect a return signal from the surface of the object;circuitry operably connected to the signal emitter and the receiver, thecircuitry configured to compare the emitted signal with the returnsignal in order to identify surface and subsurface features of theobject; circuitry configured to compare the identified surface andsubsurface features with a map of surface and subsurface features of theobject stored in memory; and a positioner operably affixed to theholder, the positioner positioned and structured to apply thestretchable electronic device to a position on the surface of the objectbased on the comparison. During use, a positional applicator device forapplying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of an object isplaced adjacent to a region of interest by a user, after which thepositional applicator device seeks to detect one or more features ofinterest under the surface of the region of interest, and to apply atleast one stretchable electronic device in a position and orientationrelative to the one or more features of interest. In some embodiments,the positional applicator device seeks to detect one or more features ofinterest under the surface of the region of interest and on the surfaceof the region of interest, and to apply at least one stretchableelectronic device in a position and orientation relative to the one ormore features of interest in the subsurface and on the surface. In someembodiments, the positional applicator device includes memory includinginformation regarding a previously generated representation of featuresunder the surface of the region of interest, for example if therepresentation of features under the surface of the region of interestwas previously generated during an earlier application of one or morestretchable electronic device(s).

As used herein, a ‘map’ can refer to location information regarding oneor more surface and/or subsurface features of an object. For example, amap can include information regarding the relative spacing, absolutespacing, and/or location based on other features of an object. In someembodiments, a map can include one or more images. In some embodiments,a map can include distance information, such as distance betweenfeatures or depth distance from the surface of the object. In someembodiments, a map can include directional information, such asdirectional information regarding the relative positions of two or moresurface and/or subsurface features of the object.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includes: aholder for a stretchable electronic device; a signal emitter positionedto direct an emitted signal toward a surface of an object; a signalreceiver positioned to detect a return signal from the surface, thereturn signal originating with the emitted signal directed from thesignal emitter; a controller including circuitry operably connected tothe signal emitter and the signal receiver, the circuitry configured tocompare the emitted signal with the return signal to form arepresentation of features of the object, and circuitry configured tocompare the representation of features of the object with arepresentation of features of the stretchable electronic device; a userinterface operably attached to the controller; a positioner operablyaffixed to the holder, the positioner positioned and structured toapply, in response to the controller, the stretchable electronic deviceto a position on the surface of the object based on the representationof features of the object and the representation of features of thestretchable electronic device; and an applicator of a size and shape toplace the stretchable electronic device in contact with the surface ofthe object, the applicator including a switch operably attached to thecontroller. In some embodiments, the object is a body region. In someembodiments, the object is an inanimate object, such as a manufactureddevice or other object. In some embodiments, the object is part of aplant, for example a leaf, stem, or trunk.

FIG. 6 illustrates aspects of an embodiment of a positional applicatordevice for applying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of anobject. The positional applicator device 500 shown in FIG. 6 is shownwith the side of the positional applicator device intended to bepositioned adjacent to the surface of the object facing outward forpurposes of illustration. The positional applicator device 500 includesa stretchable electronic device 100 reversibly affixed to the positionalapplicator device 500. The stretchable electronic device 100 is orientedso that the face of the stretchable electronic device 100 that will bein contact with the surface (e.g. of a wrist as in FIG. 5) is facingaway from the device 500. Thus, when the positional applicator device500 is placed on a surface (e.g. of a wrist as in FIG. 5), the face ofthe stretchable electronic device 100 that will be in contact with thesurface is positioned adjacent to the surface. The positional applicatordevice 500 includes a shell 630 surrounding the sides of the positionalapplicator device 500 that are not facing the stretchable electronicdevice 100.

The stretchable electronic device is reversibly affixed to thepositional applicator device by a holder for the stretchable electronicdevice. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a stretchable electronicdevice 100 is affixed to the holder 670 with reversible fasteners 660.In some embodiments, the holder includes a reversible fastener for thestretchable electronic device, the fastener positioned to stabilize thestretchable electronic device. In some embodiments, the holder includesa frame configured to surround one or more edges of the stretchableelectronic device. The frame can include, for example, one or morereversible fasteners for the stretchable electronic device. In someembodiments, the holder includes a reel of a size and shape to hold atleast one stretchable electronic device, a motor operably attached tothe reel. For example, in some embodiments a plurality of stretchableelectronic devices can be affixed to a flexible backing sheet, andcurled into a roll which is affixed to the reel. The motor attached tothe reel can advance the flexible backing sheet as needed to bringforward one or more stretchable electronic devices in the roll.

In some embodiments, the holder includes a manipulator positioned toalter the size of the stretchable electronic device. For example, amanipulator can include a cutting implement for the stretchableelectronic device. For example, a manipulator can include a cuttingimplement oriented to trim any unwanted excess material, such as excessbacking sheet, from a stretchable electronic device before or afterapplication of the stretchable electronic device to the surface. Forexample, a manipulator can include a cutting implement oriented to alterthe size or shape of the stretchable electronic device, such as roundingcorners or trimming edges of the stretchable electronic device in orderto better align the stretchable electronic device with the surface. Insome embodiments, the controller sends operational signals to themanipulator in response to the representation of features of the objectand the representation of features of the stretchable electronic device.In some embodiments, the manipulator is under the control of thecontroller, and the stretchable electronic device is trimmed inreference to information in the controller. For example, a controllermay send signals to the cutting implement to trim the stretchableelectronic device in response to information about the surface of theobject, for example the topography of the region. For example, acontroller may send signals to the cutting implement to trim thestretchable electronic device in response to information about a featureon a surface of an object that is an inanimate object, such as abracket, holder, crack, or joint. For example, a controller may sendsignals to the cutting implement to trim the stretchable electronicdevice in response to information about a feature on a surface of anobject that is a body, such as a scar.

In some embodiments, the holder includes an adaptable tensioner of asize, shape and position to control tension of the stretchableelectronic device. For example, an adaptable tensioner can controltension of the stretchable electronic device along one or more majoraxes of the stretchable electronic device (e.g. axes X and Y in FIGS. 2,3 and 4). In some embodiments, the holder is operably connected to thecontroller, and configured to detect the stretchable electronic devicein response to a signal originating with the controller. In someembodiments, a positional applicator device includes a storage region ofa size and shape to retain a plurality of stretchable electronicdevices, the storage region operably attached to the holder.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the stretchable electronicdevice 100 is reversibly affixed to the positional applicator device 500by a holder that includes a set of reversible fasteners 660. Forexample, the reversible fasteners can include clips or restraining tabs,depending on the embodiment. Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG.6 includes a set of reversible fasteners 660 that are four fasteners, insome embodiments there may be more or less than four reversiblefasteners. Some embodiments include one reversible fastener. Someembodiments include two reversible fasteners. Some embodiments includethree reversible fasteners. Some embodiments include five reversiblefasteners. Some embodiments include six reversible fasteners. Someembodiments include more than six reversible fasteners. The reversiblefasteners 660 shown in FIG. 6 are positioned near the ends of the longaxes of the edges of the stretchable electronic device 100. The number,position and spacing of the reversible fasteners can vary depending onthe embodiment. Some embodiments include a variable number of reversiblefasteners oriented and positioned for use with different embodiments ofa stretchable electronic device.

In an embodiment, a stretchable electronic device includes a signalemitter positioned and adapted to direct an emitted signal toward asurface of an object. In some embodiments, the signal emitter is anoptical signal emitter. For example, the signal emitter can be a lightsource. For example, the signal emitter can be a light source thatincludes an LED and/or a laser. In some embodiments, the signal emitteris a near-IR signal emitter. In some embodiments, the signal emitter isan ultrasound emitter. In some embodiments, the signal emitter is aradio frequency (RF) emitter. In some embodiments, the signal emitter isoperably connected to the controller, for example with a wired orwireless connector. In some embodiments, the signal emitter includessub-emitters of the same type, for example a signal emitter can includetwo or more light sources. For example, a signal emitter can include twoor more sub-emitters, each of the sub-emitters including at least oneLED. In some embodiments, the signal emitter includes sub-emitters ofdifferent types, for example a signal emitter can include a light sourceand an RF emitter. In some embodiments, the signal emitter is positionedat a predetermined distance from the surface of the object. In someembodiments, the signal emitter is positioned to be in contact with thesurface of the object.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the positional applicator device500 includes a signal emitter 620 positioned adjacent to an edge of thepositional applicator device 500. In some embodiments, the signalemitter is an optical signal emitter. For example, the signal emittercan be a light source. For example, the signal emitter can be a lightsource that includes an LED and/or a laser. In some embodiments, thesignal emitter is an ultrasound emitter. In some embodiments, the signalemitter is a radio frequency (RF) emitter. In some embodiments, thesignal emitter is operably connected to the controller, for example witha wired or wireless connector. In some embodiments, the signal emitterincludes sub-emitters of the same type, for example a signal emitter caninclude two or more light sources. For example, a signal emitter caninclude two or more sub-emitters, each of the sub-emitters including atleast one LED. In some embodiments, the signal emitter includessub-emitters of different types, for example a signal emitter caninclude a light source and an RF emitter. In the depicted embodiment,the signal emitter 620 is connected to the controller 610 with a wireconnector 625. Depending on the embodiment, the controller can includecircuitry and/or programming configured to send control signals to thesignal emitter to turn on and off. For example, in some embodiments, thesignal emitter can receive control signals from the controller tooperate with a single pulse, and in some embodiments the signal emittercan receive signals from the controller to operate with multiple pulses.The signal emitter can be positioned and oriented to direct a signal atone or more predetermined angle(s) relative to the surface of theobject. For example, a signal emitter can be positioned and oriented todirect a signal at a predetermined angle relative to the surface of theobject, the angle predicted to result in a maximum level of signalreflected from the surface to the signal receiver of the positionalapplicator device. For example, a signal emitter can be positioned andoriented to direct a signal at a series of predetermined angles relativeto the surface of the object in multiple bursts of signal, the anglespredicted to result in a maximum level of total signal reflected fromthe surface to the signal receiver of the positional applicator device.The signal emitter can be of a type configured to emit one or moresignals of predetermined duration and intensity. The signal emitter canbe of a type configured to emit a series of signals in a predeterminedpattern.

In an embodiment, a positional applicator device includes a signalreceiver positioned and adapted to detect a return signal from thesurface, the return signal originating with the emitted signal directedfrom the signal emitter. In some embodiments, a positional applicatordevice includes a signal receiver oriented to detect a return signalfrom the surface. In some embodiments, a positional applicator deviceincludes a signal receiver of a type to detect an emitted signaloriginating from the signal emitter and reflected from the surface ofthe object. For example, if the positional applicator device includes asignal emitter that is a light source, the positional applicator deviceincludes an optical signal receiver that can detect a return signal fromthe emitted light that is reflected from the object. In someembodiments, a positional applicator device includes an optical signalreceiver. In some embodiments, a positional applicator device includesan ultrasound receiver. In some embodiments, a positional applicatordevice includes an RF receiver.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 includes a positional applicatordevice 500 including a signal receiver 680. The positional applicatordevice 500 includes a signal receiver 680 positioned adjacent to an edgeof the device 500. In the depicted embodiment, the signal receiver 680is connected to the controller 610 with a wire connector 685. Dependingon the embodiment, the controller can include circuitry and/orprogramming configured to receive signals from the signal receiver, forexample signals including information regarding received signals.Depending on the embodiment, the controller can include circuitry and/orprogramming configured to send signals to the signal receiver, forexample to turn on and off. The signal receiver can be positioned andoriented to detect a signal at one or more predetermined angle(s)relative to the surface of the object. For example, a signal receivercan be positioned and oriented to detect a signal at a predeterminedangle relative to the surface of the object, the angle predicted toresult in a maximum level of signal emitted from the signal emitter andreflected from the surface to the signal receiver of the positionalapplicator device. For example, a signal receiver can be positioned andoriented to detect a signal emitted at a series of predetermined anglesrelative to the surface of the object in multiple bursts of signal, theangles predicted to result in a maximum level of total signal reflectedfrom the surface to the signal receiver of the positional applicatordevice. The signal receiver can be of a type configured to detect one ormore signals of predetermined duration and intensity. The signalreceiver can be of a type configured to detect a series of signals in apredetermined pattern. The signal receiver can be of a type configuredto detect a series of signals in a predetermined series and/orfrequency.

A positional applicator device includes a controller including circuitryoperably connected to the signal emitter and to the signal receiver, thecircuitry configured to compare the emitted signal with the returnsignal to form a representation of features of the object, and circuitryconfigured to compare the representation of features of the object witha representation of features of the stretchable electronic device. Insome embodiments, a controller includes electronic memory includinginformation regarding features of the stretchable electronic device. Forexample, a controller can include electronic firmware memory includingfeatures of one or more standard models of stretchable electronicdevices. For example, a controller can include in electronic memory alook-up table including features of one or more standard models ofstretchable electronic devices. For example, a controller can includeelectronic software memory including features of one or more standardmodels of stretchable electronic devices. In some embodiments, acontroller includes electronic memory including information regardingfeatures of the stretchable electronic device that are accepted from auser interface. For example, a controller can include in memory a modelnumber or identification code accepted from a user interface. In someembodiments, a controller includes electronic memory includinginformation regarding features of the stretchable electronic device thatwere generated by the positional applicator device, for example with useof an optical scanner. In some embodiments, the electronic memoryincluding information regarding features of the stretchable electronicdevice includes information regarding a feature of the stretchableelectronic device that includes a sensor. In some embodiments, theelectronic memory including information regarding features of thestretchable electronic device includes information regarding a featureof the stretchable electronic device that includes a transcutaneous drugdelivery device. In some embodiments, the electronic memory includinginformation regarding features of the stretchable electronic deviceincludes information regarding a feature of the stretchable electronicdevice that includes a nerve stimulator. In some embodiments, theelectronic memory including information regarding features of thestretchable electronic device includes information regarding a featureof the stretchable electronic device that includes an antenna. In someembodiments, the electronic memory including information regardingfeatures of the stretchable electronic device includes informationregarding a feature of the stretchable electronic device that includes athermocouple.

In some embodiments, a controller includes electronic memory includinginformation regarding features of the object. In some embodiments, theobject is a body. For example, in some embodiments electronic memoryincluding information regarding features of the object that is a bodyincludes information regarding at least one epidermal structure. Whenthe object is a body, the information regarding at least one epidermalstructure can include features such as scars, wrinkles or epidermalpigmentation. For example, in some embodiments electronic memoryincluding information regarding features of the object includesinformation regarding at least one subcutaneous structure of a body. Forexample, the information regarding at least one subcutaneous structureof a body can include bone position and composition, the placement andstructure of any implanted devices in the body, the placement andstructure of a subcutaneous neoplasia, and/or the placement andstructure of subcutaneous scar tissue. For example, in some embodimentselectronic memory including information regarding features of the objectthat is a body includes information regarding at least one edgestructure of the body. For example, in some embodiments electronicmemory including information regarding features of the object that is abody includes information as to the curvature, size, position and/orrelative positioning of a body part. For example, in some embodimentselectronic memory including information regarding features of the objectthat is a body includes electronic memory including informationregarding at least one prior stretchable electronic device that waspreviously affixed to the surface of the body.

In some embodiments, the object is an inanimate object. In someembodiments, a controller includes electronic memory includinginformation regarding features of the inanimate object. In someembodiments, a controller includes electronic memory includinginformation regarding features of the object including at least one edgestructure of the object. For example, in some embodiments electronicmemory including information regarding features of the object that is aninanimate object includes information as to the curvature, size,position and/or relative positioning of one or more sections and edgeregions of the inanimate object. In some embodiments, a controllerincludes electronic memory including information regarding features ofthe inanimate object including electronic memory including informationregarding at least one prior stretchable electronic device that waspreviously affixed to the surface of the inanimate object.

A positional applicator can include a user interface operably attachedto the controller. A user interface can include, for example, a display.A user interface can include, for example, a light emitter such as anindicator light. A user interface can include, for example, a soundemitter. A user interface can include, for example, a buzzer. A userinterface can include, for example, a touchscreen. A user interface caninclude, for example, an on/off switch.

The embodiment of a positional applicator device 500 illustrated in FIG.6 includes a user interface 510 that is a display. The display isoperably attached to the controller 610 with a wire connector 615. Thedisplay can be configured to activate in response to signals sent by thecontroller 610 through the wire connector 615. The illustratedembodiment also includes a user interface 600 that is an indicator lightoperably connected to the controller 615 with a wire connector.

A positional applicator device includes a positioner operably affixed tothe holder, the positioner positioned and structured to apply, inresponse to the controller, the stretchable electronic device to aposition on the surface of the object relative to the representation offeatures of the object and the representation of features of thestretchable electronic device. In some embodiments, the positionerincludes at least one fastener affixed to the holder, and a motorattached to the fastener, the motor operably attached to the controller.In some embodiments, the motor is positioned to allow adjustment ofposition of the stretchable electronic device relative to the surface ofthe inanimate object. For example, the motor can be oriented andconfigured to move the entire stretchable electronic device relative tothe surface of the inanimate object. In some embodiments, the motor ispositioned to allow adjustment of orientation of the stretchableelectronic device relative to the surface. For example, the motor can beoriented and configured to alter the orientation of the entirestretchable electronic device relative to the surface.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the positional applicatordevice 500 includes a positioner operably affixed to the holder 670. Thepositioner includes fasteners 650 affixed to each end of the holder 670.The illustrated embodiment includes two fasteners 650, one affixed toeither end of the holder 670. The positioner illustrated includes amotor 640 affixed to each of the fasteners 650. Each of the motors 640are connected to the controller 610 with a wire connector. Thepositioner, including the two fasteners 650, each affixed to an end ofthe holder 670, and the motors 640 are positioned and structured toapply, in response to signals received from the controller 610, thestretchable electronic device 100 to a position on a surface of anobject. Depending on the embodiment, the positioner can move thestretchable electronic device along one or more X and/or Y axes (e.g.left/right and up/down in the illustration of FIG. 6). In someembodiments, the positioner can rotate the stretchable electronic devicerelative to the X and Y axes.

A positional applicator device includes an applicator of a size andshape to place the stretchable electronic device in contact with thesurface of the object, the applicator including a switch operablyattached to the controller. In some embodiments, an applicator includesan adaptable tensioner of a size, shape and position to control tensionof the stretchable electronic device during application. For example, anadaptable tensioner can control the tension and/or stretch of astretchable electronic device prior to application to a surface. Forexample, an adaptable tensioner can control the tension and/or stretchalong one or more axes of the stretchable electronic device.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device includes a sprayerpositioned to apply material to the surface of the object, and areservoir operably attached to the sprayer. In some embodiments, thesprayer includes a switch responsive to the controller. For example, areservoir can include compressed gas, and the sprayer can be used to drythe surface of the object prior to application of the stretchableelectronic device. For example, a reservoir can include a liquidadhesive, and the sprayer can be used to apply a coating of the adhesiveto a region of the surface of the object prior to application of thestretchable electronic device to the same region of the surface. In someembodiments, the reservoir includes an adhesive formulated to adhere asurface of the stretchable electronic device to the surface of theobject. The positional applicator device can, for example, administerthe adhesive to the surface of the object prior to placement of thestretchable electronic device on the surface. The positional applicatordevice can, for example, administer the adhesive to the surface of theobject after placement of the stretchable electronic device on thesurface.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device includes a gasblower positioned to direct gas to the surface of the object, a switchaffixed to the gas blower, the switch responsive to the controller. Forexample, a gas blower can be configured and positioned to direct ambientair against the surface of the object prior to application of thestretchable electronic device.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device includes an abraderof a size and shape to remove a portion of the surface of the object, aholder affixed to the abrader, and a positioner affixed to the abrader,the positioner oriented to position the abrader relative to the surfaceof the object. For example, the abrader can be positioned and configuredto remove adhesive, prior stretchable electronic device components, dirtand/or debris from the surface of the object. In embodiments wherein thestretchable electronic device is applied to an object that is a body,the abrader can be configured to remove a quantity of superficial skin.In embodiments wherein the stretchable electronic device is applied toan object that is a body, the abrader can be configured to remove aquantity of cosmetics from the surface of the skin prior to applicationof the stretchable electronic device to the surface.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device includes one or moreprojections positioned and oriented to contact the surface of the objectand one or more adaptable tensioners affixed to the one or moreprojections and responsive to the tension of the surface. For example,the projections can be positioned and oriented to maintain the positionof the positional applicator device relative to the surface of theobject prior to action of the one or more adaptable tensioners andapplication of a stretchable electronic device to the surface. In someembodiments, a positional applicator device includes an indicator thatis configured to send a signal to a user when the projections are incontact with the surface. In some embodiments, a positional applicatordevice includes an indicator that is configured to send a signal to auser when the projections are in contact with the surface but the regionof interest is not in an appropriate position relative to the positionalapplicator device. For example, the indicator can include an auditoryindicator with pre-recorded messages such as “move the device acentimeter to the left.” For example, the indicator can include anauditory indicator with pre-recorded messages such as “rotate the devicea half-turn clockwise.”

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device includes a lightsource positioned to direct light in a visible pattern toward thesurface of the object. For example, a visible pattern may indicate to auser where to place and hold the positional applicator device relativeto the surface of the object for application of the stretchableelectronic device to the surface. Some embodiments include a switchoperably attached to the light source, the switch operably attached tothe controller. For example, the controller can include circuitryconfigured to turn on the light source and then to send a signal toinitiate a particular display as needed for a particular situation inorder to assist a user to position the positional applicator deviceappropriately for application of a particular stretchable electronicdevice to a region of the surface. A light display can, for example, beof a type to indicate the exact position of the positional applicatordevice appropriately for application of a particular stretchableelectronic device to a region of the surface. A light display can, forexample, be of a type to show a user how to move the positionalapplicator device relative to a region of the surface appropriately forapplication of a particular stretchable electronic device.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device includes an auditorysignal emitter operably attached to the controller. In some embodiments,a positional applicator device includes a user interface operablyattached to the controller. In some embodiments, a positional applicatordevice includes a shell positioned adjacent to at least one side of thepositional applicator device, the shell forming at least one externalwall of the positional applicator device. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the positional applicator device 500 includes a shell 630 thatsurrounds 5 sides of the device, with the side positioned forward in theillustration configured as an aperture in the shell 630. For example, ashell can include one or more thin walls. For example, a shell can befabricated from a rigid plastic or metal material, or a compositematerial. In some embodiments, a positional applicator device includes ahandle attached to the positional applicator device, the handle of asize, shape and orientation to assist a user to orient the positionalapplicator device relative to the surface of the object. For example, apositional applicator device can include a shell, and a handle affixedto the shell. In some embodiments, a positional applicator deviceincludes an accelerometer, the accelerometer operably attached to thecontroller. For example, a controller can be configured to acceptinformation from an accelerometer regarding motion of the positionalapplicator device, and for the controller to only initiate applicationof the stretchable electronic device to a region of the surface when thepositional applicator device is stable and/or not moving.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includes: aholder for a stretchable electronic device; a signal emitter positionedto direct an emitted signal toward a surface of an object; a signalreceiver positioned to detect a return signal from the surface, thereturn signal originating with the emitted signal directed from thesignal emitter; a controller including circuitry operably connected tothe signal emitter and the signal receiver, the circuitry configured tocompare the signal with the return signal to form a representation offeatures of the object, and circuitry configured to compare therepresentation of features of the object with a representation offeatures of the stretchable electronic device; a positioner operablyaffixed to the holder, the positioner positioned and structured toapply, in response to the controller, the stretchable electronic deviceto a position on the surface of the object based on the representationof features of the object and the representation of features of thestretchable electronic device; a stabilizer of a size and shape tostabilize the surface of the object relative to the positioner; and anapplicator of a size and shape to place the stretchable electronicdevice in contact with the surface of the object, the applicatorincluding a switch operably attached to the controller. In someembodiments, the stabilizer includes a structure including a surface ofa size and shape for reversibly mating with a surface of the object. Insome embodiments, the stabilizer includes a fastener of a size and shapeto affix the object to the positional applicator device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a positional applicator device 500 positionedrelative to a region of interest 140 of an object. FIG. 7 depicts thepositional applicator device 500 and the region of interest 140 incross-section for purposes of illustration. The positional applicatordevice 500 includes stabilizers 710. In the embodiment illustrated, thestabilizers are positioned at the edges of a shell 630 of the positionalapplicator device 500. The stabilizers 710 are positioned and orientedto contact the surface of the object. Each of the stabilizers 710includes a structure including a surface of a size and shape forreversibly mating with a surface of the object. Each of the illustratedstabilizers 710 illustrated is substantially linear, and has a proximalend affixed to the shell 630 of the positional applicator device 500 anda distal end in contact with the surface of the region of interest 140.The stabilizers 710 are of a size and shape to position the positionalapplicator device 500 at a fixed distance 740 from the surface of theregion of interest 140.

Prior to application of a stretchable electronic device to the surfaceof a region of interest 140, the positional applicator device sendssignals 720 from one or more signal emitters and receives signals 725reflected from the surface. In embodiments including stabilizers 710,there can be a fixed distance 740 between the signal emitter(s), thesignal receiver(s) and the surface. The signals 720, 725 are of a typeto detect subsurface features 730 under the surface of the region ofinterest 140. In embodiments where the object is a body, for example,the signals may be of a type to detect subsurface nerves, blood vessels,implanted structures and/or musculature. In embodiments where the objectis an inanimate object, for example, the signals may be of a type todetect subsurface cracks, impurities, flaws, layers of compositematerials, wires, fiberoptic cables and/or components. In embodimentswhere the object is an inanimate object, for example, the signals may beof a type to detect subsurface motion and/or heat generated from asubsurface feature such as a motor or a fan.

FIG. 8 illustrates aspects of an embodiment of a positional applicatordevice 500. The positional applicator device 500 includes a stretchableelectronic device 100 that includes a holder that includes a flexiblesheet 830. A stretchable electronic device 100 is affixed to theflexible sheet 830 with a reversible adhesive on the face of thestretchable electronic device 100 against the flexible sheet 830, whichis the reverse face of the stretchable electronic device 100 from thatwhich will be positioned adjacent to the surface of the object. Theholder includes a reel 820 around which the flexible sheet 830 is wound.In some embodiments, there are a plurality of stretchable electronicdevices reversibly affixed to the surface of the flexible sheet, some ofthe plurality of stretchable electronic devices being wound around thereel with one or more sections of the flexible sheet. A motor 800 isaffixed to the reel 820. The motor 800 is operably attached to thecontroller 610 with a wire connector 805. The motor 800 rotates the reel820 in response to signals sent by the controller 610. In the embodimentillustrated, the fastener 650 of the positioner is affixed to the reel820, and a motor 640 is attached to the fastener 650.

The embodiment of a positional applicator device 500 illustrated in FIG.8 includes an adaptable tensioner 810. The adaptable tensioner 810 is ofa size, shape and position to control tension of the stretchableelectronic device 100 during application to the surface. The adaptabletensioner 810 illustrated in FIG. 8 is a rod positioned adjacent to theface of the flexible sheet 830 opposite to the face of the flexiblesheet 830 reversibly attached to the stretchable electronic device 100.A positioner is affixed to the rod behind the flexible sheet 830, thepositioner of a type to alter the pressure that the rod places on theflexible sheet 830 and the stretchable electronic device 100 affixed tothe flexible sheet 830.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includes: aholder for a stretchable electronic device; a receiver positioned todetect a return signal from a surface of an object; circuitry operablyconnected to the receiver, the circuitry configured to identify surfaceand subsurface features of the object based on the return signal; and apositioner operably affixed to the holder, the positioner positioned andstructured to apply the stretchable electronic device to a position onthe surface of the object relative to the comparison. In someembodiments, the object is a body. In some embodiments, the object is aninanimate object. In some embodiments, the object is a plant.

In some embodiments, the receiver is a light receiver. For example, thelight receiver can be a camera, such as a digital camera. The lightreceiver can be of a type that is operational in the visible spectrum.The light receiver can be of a type that is operational in thenear-visible spectrum, such as IR, near-IR, or ultraviolet.

In some embodiments, the receiver is an auditory signal receiver. Forexample, the receiver can be of a type to accept auditory signals fromthe object, and to process the received signals into information whichis then transmitted to the attached circuitry.

In some embodiments, a positional applicator device for applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includes:circuitry including memory; and circuitry configured to compare theidentified features with subsurface features of the object stored in thememory. For example, the memory can be digital memory. For example, thememory can be electronic memory. For example, the memory can include alook-up table including information regarding specific sounds, such asthose that indicate a specific subsurface feature, such as a motor orfan in an inanimate object, or a pulse in a body, or a respiration sitein a plant.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes: initiating a signal from asignal emitter, the emitted signal directed to a surface of an object;detecting, with a receiver, a return signal from the emitted signal;comparing, with circuitry, the emitted signal and the received returnsignal; forming a representation of features of the object based on thecomparison; and positioning a stretchable electronic device relative tothe surface of the object in relation to the map. In some embodiments,the method also includes applying the stretchable electronic device tothe surface of the object.

FIG. 9 illustrates aspects of a method of applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of an object. Box 900 shows that themethod is a method of applying a stretchable electronic device to asurface of an object. Box 910 depicts initiating a signal from a signalemitter, the signal directed to a surface of an object. Box 920 showsdetecting, with a receiver, a return signal from the emitted signal. Box930 illustrates comparing, with circuitry, the initiated signal and thereceived return signal. Box 940 shows forming a representation offeatures of the object based on the comparison. Box 950 depictspositioning a stretchable electronic device relative to the surface ofthe object in relation to the map. Optional box 960 illustrates applyingthe stretchable electronic device to the surface of the object.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes: retaining a stretchableelectronic device with a holder of a device; initiating an emittedsignal from a signal emitter of the device, the emitted signal directedto a surface of an object; detecting, with a signal receiver of thedevice, a return signal from the emitted signal; comparing, withcircuitry of the device, the emitted signal and the received returnsignal; forming, in circuitry of the device, a representation offeatures of the object based on the comparison; comparing, in circuitryof the device, a representation of features of the stretchableelectronic device with the formed representation of features of theobject based on the comparison; indicating, with a user interface of thedevice, a position for the stretchable electronic device relative to thesurface of the object; and applying the stretchable electronic device tothe surface of the object.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes initiating an emitted signalfrom a signal emitter of the device, the emitted signal directed to asurface of an object, and the initiating an emitted signal includesinitiating an optical signal directed to the surface of the object. Insome embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronic deviceto a surface of an object includes initiating an emitted signal from asignal emitter of the device, the emitted signal directed to a surfaceof an object, and the initiating a emitted signal includes initiating anultrasound signal directed to the surface of the object. In someembodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronic device to asurface of an object includes initiating an emitted signal from a signalemitter of the device, the emitted signal directed to a surface of anobject, and the initiating an emitted signal includes initiating a RFsignal directed to the surface of the object. In some embodiments, amethod of applying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of anobject includes initiating an emitted signal from a signal emitter ofthe device, the emitted signal directed to a surface of an object, andthe initiating an emitted signal includes initiating an emitted signalfrom a signal emitter at a time to create a return signal from thesurface of the object wherein the return signal is positioned to bereceived by the signal receiver of the device. In some embodiments, thesignal from the signal emitter can be emitted with an energy calculatedrelative to one or more of: the distance between the signal emitter andthe surface, the orientation of the signal emitter to the surface, thecomposition of the expected subsurface features of the object, and/orthe composition of the surface.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes detecting, with a signalreceiver of the device, a return signal from the emitted signal and thedetecting, with a signal receiver of the device, a return signal fromthe emitted signal includes detecting an optical signal directed fromthe surface of the object. In some embodiments, a method of applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includesdetecting, with a signal receiver of the device, a return signal fromthe emitted signal and the detecting, with a signal receiver of thedevice, a return signal from the emitted signal includes detecting anultrasound signal directed from the surface of the object. In someembodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronic device to asurface of an object includes detecting, with a signal receiver of thedevice, a return signal from the emitted signal and the detecting, witha signal receiver of the device, a return signal from the emitted signalincludes detecting an RF signal directed from the surface of the object.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes comparing, with circuitry ofthe device, the initiated signal and the received return signal, and thecomparing includes: forming, in circuitry of the device, arepresentation of features of the object; and comparing, in circuitry ofthe device, the representation of features of the object with arepresentation of features of the stretchable electronic device. Forexample, the method can include accessing a look-up table in memory withpositions and orientations of features of the stretchable electronicdevice to be aligned with subsurface features of the object. Forexample, the method can include accessing a look-up table in memory withapertures in a barrier layer covering all or part of the stretchableelectronic device to be aligned with subsurface features of the object.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes forming, in circuitry of thedevice, a representation of features of the object based on thecomparison, and the forming includes providing, from electronic memoryof the device, information regarding features of the object. Forexample, the providing, from electronic memory of the device,information regarding features of the object can include informationregarding at least one epidermal structure of the object. For example,the providing, from electronic memory of the device, informationregarding features of the object can include information regarding atleast one subcutaneous structure of a body. For example, the providing,from electronic memory of the device, information regarding features ofthe object can include information regarding at least one edge structureof the object. In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of an object includes forming, incircuitry of the device, a representation of features of the objectbased on the comparison, and the forming includes providing, fromelectronic memory of the device, information regarding at least oneprior stretchable electronic device that was previously affixed to thesurface.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes comparing, in circuitry of thedevice, a representation of features of the stretchable electronicdevice with the formed representation of features of the object based onthe comparison includes providing, from electronic memory of the device,information regarding features of the stretchable electronic device. Forexample, in some embodiments, the providing, from electronic memory ofthe device, information regarding features of the stretchable electronicdevice includes providing information regarding a feature of thestretchable electronic device that includes a sensor. For example, insome embodiments, the providing, from electronic memory of the device,information regarding features of the stretchable electronic deviceincludes providing information regarding a feature of the stretchableelectronic device that includes a transcutaneous drug delivery device.For example, in some embodiments, the providing, from electronic memoryof the device, information regarding features of the stretchableelectronic device includes providing information regarding a feature ofthe stretchable electronic device that includes a nerve stimulator. Forexample, in some embodiments, the providing, from electronic memory ofthe device, information regarding features of the stretchable electronicdevice includes providing information regarding a feature of thestretchable electronic device that includes an antenna. For example, insome embodiments, the providing, from electronic memory of the device,information regarding features of the stretchable electronic deviceincludes providing information regarding a feature of the stretchableelectronic device that includes a thermocouple. For example, in someembodiments, the providing, from electronic memory of the device,information regarding features of the stretchable electronic deviceincludes the special orientation and/or relative positioning of multiplefeatures of the stretchable electronic device.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes indicating, with a userinterface of the device, a position for the stretchable electronicdevice relative to the surface of the object. In some embodiments,indicating a position includes indicating that the user should stopmoving the stretchable electronic device relative to the surface of theobject. In some embodiments, indicating a position includes indicating adirection or amount that the user should move or rotate the stretchableelectronic device relative to the surface of the object. In someembodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronic device to asurface of an object includes indicating, with a user interface of thedevice, a position for the stretchable electronic device relative to thesurface of the object, and the indicating includes indicating on avisual representation of the user interface. In some embodiments, amethod of applying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of anobject includes indicating, with a user interface of the device, aposition for the stretchable electronic device relative to the surfaceof the object, and the indicating includes initiating a signal from asound emitter. In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of an object includes indicating, with auser interface of the device, a position for the stretchable electronicdevice relative to the surface of the object, and the indicatingincludes emitting a light pattern in a direction to the surface of theobject from a light emitter of the device, the light pattern of a sizeand shape to indicate a position of the device to a user.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes indicating, with a userinterface of the device, a position for the stretchable electronicdevice relative to the surface of the object which includes indicating,with a user interface of the device, that a user should not move thestretchable electronic device relative to the surface of the object. Forexample, a positional applicator device for applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of an object can include a “stop” or“hold” light that can be illuminated when the device is in the correctposition for application to an adjacent surface. In some embodiments, amethod of applying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of anobject includes indicating, with a user interface of the device, aposition for the stretchable electronic device relative to the surfaceof the object which includes indicating, with a user interface of thedevice, a direction that a user should move the stretchable electronicdevice relative to the surface of the object. For example, a positionalapplicator device for applying a stretchable electronic device to asurface of an object can include a “left” or “right” light that can beilluminated when the device is not in the correct position forapplication to an adjacent surface. In some embodiments, a method ofapplying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of an objectincludes indicating, with a user interface of the device, a position forthe stretchable electronic device relative to the surface of the objectwhich includes indicating, with a user interface of the device, adistance that a user should move the stretchable electronic devicerelative to the surface of the object. For example, a positionalapplicator device for applying a stretchable electronic device to asurface of an object can include a user interface that can display adistance such as “2 cm” or “0.5 cm” as needed to position the device inthe correct position for application of a stretchable electronic deviceto an adjacent surface. In some embodiments, a method of applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object includesindicating, with a user interface of the device, a position for thestretchable electronic device relative to the surface of the objectwhich includes indicating, with a user interface of the device, arotation direction that a user should move the stretchable electronicdevice relative to the surface of the object. In some embodiments, amethod of applying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of anobject includes indicating, with a user interface of the device, aposition for the stretchable electronic device relative to the surfaceof the object which includes indicating, with a user interface of thedevice, a rotation amount that a user should move the stretchableelectronic device relative to the surface of the object.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object includes applying the stretchableelectronic device to the surface of the object and the applying includesapplying tension to the stretchable electronic device from an adaptabletensioner in response to the controller. In some embodiments, a methodof applying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of an objectincludes applying the stretchable electronic device to the surface ofthe object and the applying includes positioning a surface of thestretchable electronic device against the surface of the object. Forexample, a positional applicator device for applying a stretchableelectronic device can include one or more motors to position thestretchable electronic device relative to the surface and subsurfacefeatures of the object. For example, a positional applicator device forapplying a stretchable electronic device can include one or moreindicators to show a user where to position the stretchable electronicdevice relative to the surface and subsurface features of the object.

In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object also includes storing, in electronicmemory, data from the detected signal. In some embodiments, a method ofapplying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of an object alsoincludes storing, in electronic memory, information regarding featuresof the object. In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of an object also includes storing, inelectronic memory, information regarding subsurface features of theobject. In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of an object also includes: detecting,with an accelerometer of the device, a motion of the device; andindicating, with a user interface of the device, in response to themotion of the device. In some embodiments, a method of applying astretchable electronic device to a surface of an object also includesspraying the surface of the object with an adhesive formulated to adherea surface of the stretchable electronic device to the surface of theobject. In some embodiments, a method of applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of an object also includes: selecting aportion of the surface of the object in response to the representationof features of the object; and removing the portion of the surface ofthe object with an abrader of the device. In some embodiments, a methodof applying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of an objectalso includes: determining a light pattern to project on the surface ofthe object relative to the position of the device; and projecting thelight pattern on the surface of the object. In some embodiments, amethod of applying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of anobject also includes emitting a verbal signal in response to thecontroller.

FIG. 10 shows aspects of a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an object with a positional applicator device.Box 1000 depicts that the method is a method of applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of an object. Box 1010 illustrates thatthe method includes retaining a stretchable electronic device with aholder of a device. Box 1020 shows initiating a signal from a signalemitter of the device, the signal directed to a surface of an object.Box 1030 depicts detecting, with a signal receiver of the device, areturn signal from the emitted signal. Box 1040 illustrates comparing,with circuitry of the device, the initiated signal and the receivedreturn signal. Box 1050 shows forming, in circuitry of the device, arepresentation of features of the object based on the comparison. Box1060 illustrates comparing, in circuitry of the device, a representationof features of the stretchable electronic device with the formedrepresentation of features of the object based on the comparison. Box1070 depicts indicating, with a user interface of the device, a positionfor the stretchable electronic device relative to the surface of theobject. Box 1080 illustrates applying the stretchable electronic deviceto the surface of the object.

FIG. 11 illustrates optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10.Optional box 1100 shows that, in some embodiments, box 1020 includesinitiating an optical signal directed to the surface of the object.Optional box 1110 depicts that, in some embodiments, box 1020 includesinitiating an ultrasound signal directed to the surface of the object.

FIG. 12 shows optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10. Optionalbox 1200 depicts that, in some embodiments, box 1020 includes initiatingan RF signal directed to the surface of the object. Optional box 1210illustrates that, in some embodiments, box 1020 includes initiating asignal from a signal emitter at a time to create a return signal fromthe surface of the object wherein the return signal is positioned to bereceived by the signal receiver of the device.

FIG. 13 depicts optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10.Optional box 1300 shows that, in some embodiments, box 1030 includesdetecting an optical signal directed from the surface of the object.Optional box 1310 depicts that, in some embodiments, box 1030 includesdetecting an ultrasound signal directed from the surface of the object.Optional box 1320 illustrates that, in some embodiments, box 1030includes detecting an RF signal directed from the surface of the object.

FIG. 14 illustrates optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10. Box1400 depicts that, in some embodiments, box 1040 includes: forming, incircuitry of the positional applicator device, a representation offeatures of the object; and comparing, in circuitry of the positionalapplicator device, the representation of features of the object with arepresentation of features of the stretchable electronic device.

FIG. 15 depicts optional aspects of the method illustrated in FIG. 10.Optional box 1500 shows that, in some embodiments, box 1050 includesproviding, from electronic memory of the positional applicator device,information regarding features of the object. Optional box 1510illustrates that, in some embodiments, box 1050 includes providing, fromelectronic memory of the positional applicator device, informationregarding at least one prior stretchable electronic device that waspreviously affixed to the surface. For example, the provided informationcan include one or more of: identification model or code; size, shapeand position; adhesive used in the prior application; and/or timeduration since the prior application.

FIG. 16 shows optional aspects of the method illustrated in FIG. 10.Optional box 1600 shows that, in some embodiments, box 1060 includesproviding, from electronic memory of the positional applicator device,information regarding features of the stretchable electronic device. Forexample, information regarding features of the stretchable electronicdevice can include one or more of: number, size, position and type offeatures; identification model or code; and/or suggested adhesive foruse with the stretchable electronic device.

FIG. 17 illustrates optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10. Box1700 depicts that, in some embodiments, box 1070 includes indicating avisual representation of a user interface. FIG. 17 depicts that, in someembodiments, box 1070 includes box 1710, initiating a signal from asound emitter. Also shown is that, in some embodiments, box 1070includes box 1720, emitting a light pattern in a direction to thesurface of the object from a light emitter of the positional applicatordevice, the light pattern of a size and shape to indicate a position ofthe positional applicator device to a user.

FIG. 18 depicts optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10. In someembodiments, box 1070 includes box 1800, indicating that a user shouldnot move the stretchable electronic device relative to the surface ofthe object. FIG. 18 depicts that, in some embodiments, box 1070 includesbox 1810, indicating that a user should move the stretchable electronicdevice relative to the surface of the object. FIG. 18 shows that, insome embodiments, box 1070 includes box 1820, indicating a distance thata user should move the stretchable electronic device relative to thesurface of the object.

FIG. 19 illustrates optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10. Box1900 depicts that, in some embodiments, box 1070 includes indicating arotation direction that a user should move the stretchable electronicdevice relative to the surface of the object. Box 1910 shows that, insome embodiments, box 1070 includes indicating a rotation amount that auser should move the stretchable electronic device relative to thesurface of the object.

FIG. 20 shows optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10. Box 2000depicts that, in some embodiments, box 1080 includes applying tension tothe stretchable electronic device from an adaptable tensioner inresponse to the controller. For example, a controller of a positionalapplicator device can be configured to send control signals to anadaptable tensioner of the device. FIG. 20 also shows that, in someembodiments, box 1080 includes box 2010, positioning a surface of thestretchable electronic device against the surface of the object. Forexample, in some embodiments, a positional applicator device can includemotors oriented to move a holder and affixed stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an adjacent object.

FIG. 21 depicts optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10. Box2100 depicts that, in some embodiments, the method includes storing, inelectronic memory, data from the detected signal. Box 2110 illustratesstoring, in electronic memory, information regarding features of theobject. Box 2120 shows: detecting, with an accelerometer of the device,a motion of the positional applicator device; and indicating, with auser interface of the positional applicator device, in response to themotion of the positional applicator device.

FIG. 22 illustrates optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10. Box2200 shows that, in some embodiments, the method includes spraying, froma positional applicator, the surface of the object with an adhesiveformulated to adhere a surface of the stretchable electronic device tothe surface of the object. Box 2210 depicts the method steps of:selecting a portion of the surface of the object in response to therepresentation of features of the object; and removing the portion ofthe surface of the object with an abrader of the positional applicatordevice.

FIG. 23 shows optional aspects of the method shown in FIG. 10. Box 2300depicts that, in some embodiments, the method steps include: determininga light pattern to project on the surface of the object relative to theposition of the positional applicator device; and projecting the lightpattern on the surface of the object. Box 2310 shows that, in someembodiments, the method steps include emitting a verbal signal inresponse to the controller. For example, in some embodiments acontroller of a positional applicator device can be configured to sendcontrol signals to a verbal signal emitter of the positional applicatordevice.

FIG. 24 depicts aspects of a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of a body region with a positional applicatordevice. Box 2400 shows that it is a method of applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of a body region. Box 2410 depictsretaining a stretchable electronic device with a holder of a positionalapplicator device. Box 2420 illustrates initiating a signal from asignal emitter of the positional applicator device, the signal directedto a surface of a body region. Box 2430 shows detecting, with a signalreceiver of the positional applicator device, a return signal from theemitted signal. Box 2440 illustrates comparing, with circuitry of thedevice, the initiated signal and the received return signal. Box 2450shows forming, in circuitry of the positional applicator device, arepresentation of features of the body region based on the comparison.Box 2460 depicts indicating, with a user interface of the positionalapplicator device, a position for the stretchable electronic devicerelative to the surface of the body region. Box 2470 illustratesapplying the stretchable electronic device to the surface of the bodyregion.

FIG. 25 depicts aspects of a method of applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of an inanimate object with a positional applicatordevice. Box 2500 shows that it is a method of applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of an inanimate object. Box 2510 depictsretaining a stretchable electronic device with a holder of a positionalapplicator device. Box 2520 shows initiating a signal from a signalemitter of the positional applicator device, the signal directed to asurface of an inanimate object. Box 2530 illustrates detecting, with asignal receiver of the positional applicator device, a return signalfrom the emitted signal. Box 2540 shows comparing, with circuitry of thepositional applicator device, the initiated signal and the receivedreturn signal. Box 2550 depicts forming, in circuitry of the positionalapplicator device, a representation of features of the inanimate objectbased on the comparison. Box 2560 shows indicating, with a userinterface of the positional applicator device, a position for thestretchable electronic device relative to the surface of the inanimateobject. Box 2570 illustrates applying the stretchable electronic deviceto the surface of the inanimate object.

The state of the art has progressed to the point where there is littledistinction left between hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computerprogram serving as a hardware specification), and/or firmwareimplementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware, software,and/or firmware is generally (but not always, in that in certaincontexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.There are various vehicles by which portions of the processes and/orsystems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected(e.g., hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computer program servingas a hardware specification), and/or firmware), and that the preferredvehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or systemsand/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an implementerdetermines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer mayopt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, ifflexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly software(e.g., a high-level computer program serving as a hardwarespecification) implementation; or, yet again alternatively, theimplementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software (e.g., ahigh-level computer program serving as a hardware specification), and/orfirmware in one or more machines, compositions of matter, and articlesof manufacture. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by which theprocesses and/or devices and/or other technologies described herein maybe effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other in thatany vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context inwhich the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g.,speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of whichmay vary. Optical aspects of implementations will typically employoptically-oriented hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computerprogram serving as a hardware specification), and or firmware.

In some implementations described herein, logic and similarimplementations may include computer programs or other controlstructures. Electronic circuitry, for example, may have one or morepaths of electrical current constructed and arranged to implementvarious functions as described herein. In some implementations, one ormore media may be configured to bear a device-detectable implementationwhen such media hold or transmit device detectable instructions operableto perform as described herein. In some variants, for example,implementations may include an update or modification of existingsoftware (e.g., a high-level computer program serving as a hardwarespecification) or firmware, or of gate arrays or programmable hardware,such as by performing a reception of or a transmission of one or moreinstructions in relation to one or more operations described herein.Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, an implementation mayinclude special-purpose hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computerprogram serving as a hardware specification), firmware components,and/or general-purpose components executing or otherwise invokingspecial-purpose components. Specifications or other implementations maybe transmitted by one or more instances of tangible transmission mediaas described herein, optionally by packet transmission or otherwise bypassing through distributed media at various times.

Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include executing aspecial-purpose instruction sequence or invoking circuitry for enabling,triggering, coordinating, requesting, or otherwise causing one or moreoccurrences of virtually any functional operation described herein. Insome variants, operational or other logical descriptions herein may beexpressed as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as anexecutable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example,implementations may be provided, in whole or in part, by source code,such as C++, or other code sequences. In other implementations, sourceor other code implementation, using commercially available and/ortechniques in the art, may be compiled//implemented/translated/convertedinto a high-level descriptor language (e.g., initially implementingdescribed technologies in C or C++ programming language and thereafterconverting the programming language implementation into alogic-synthesizable language implementation, a hardware descriptionlanguage implementation, a hardware design simulation implementation,and/or other such similar mode(s) of expression). For example, some orall of a logical expression (e.g., computer programming languageimplementation) may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware description(e.g., via Hardware Description Language (HDL) and/or Very High SpeedIntegrated Circuit Hardware Descriptor Language (VHDL)) or othercircuitry model which may then be used to create a physicalimplementation having hardware (e.g., an Application Specific IntegratedCircuit).

In a general sense, various embodiments described herein can beimplemented, individually and/or collectively, by various types ofelectro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical componentssuch as hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computer program servingas a hardware specification), firmware, and/or virtually any combinationthereof; and a wide range of components that may impart mechanical forceor motion such as rigid bodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics,electro-magnetically actuated devices, and/or virtually any combinationthereof. Consequently, as used herein “electro-mechanical system”includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupledwith a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal,a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitryhaving at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitryforming a general purpose computing device configured by a computerprogram (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computerprogram which at least partially carries out processes and/or devicesdescribed herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer programwhich at least partially carries out processes and/or devices describedherein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms ofmemory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electricalcircuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communicationsswitch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or any non-electricalanalog thereto, such as optical or other analogs (e.g., graphene basedcircuitry). Examples of electro-mechanical systems include but are notlimited to a variety of consumer electronics systems, medical devices,as well as other systems such as motorized transport systems, factoryautomation systems, security systems, and/or communication/computingsystems. Electro-mechanical, as used herein, is not necessarily limitedto a system that has both electrical and mechanical actuation except ascontext may dictate otherwise.

In a general sense, various aspects described herein can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software(e.g., a high-level computer program serving as a hardwarespecification), firmware, and/or any combination thereof, and can beviewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.”Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is notlimited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electricalcircuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit,electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integratedcircuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing deviceconfigured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computerconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessorconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forminga memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, readonly, etc.)), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, optical-electricalequipment, etc.). The subject matter described herein may be implementedin an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the system is integrated in such a manner that thesystem operates as a unique system configured specifically for functionof the positional applicator device for applying a stretchableelectronic device to a surface of an object, and any associatedcomputing devices of the system operate as specific use computers forpurposes of the claimed system, and not general use computers. In anembodiment, at least one associated computing device of the systemoperate as specific use computers for purposes of the claimed system,and not general use computers. In an embodiment, at least one of theassociated computing devices of the system are hardwired with a specificROM to instruct the at least one computing device. In an embodiment, oneof skill in the art recognizes that the positional applicator device forapplying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of an object andsystem effects an improvement at least in the technological field ofstretchable electronic devices.

At least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein canbe integrated into a data processing system. A data processing systemgenerally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video displaydevice, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors suchas microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entitiessuch as operating systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces, andapplications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touchpad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/or control systems includingfeedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing positionand/or velocity; control motors for moving and/or adjusting componentsand/or quantities). A data processing system may be implementedutilizing suitable commercially available components, such as thosetypically found in data computing/communication and/or networkcomputing/communication systems.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewedas being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelesslyinteracting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logicallyinteractable components.

The foregoing specification has been described with reference to variousembodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat various modifications and changes can be made without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosureis to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense,and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scopethereof. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problemshave been described above with regard to various embodiments. However,benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, a required, or anessential feature or element. As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” and any other variation thereof are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, a method, an article, oran apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include onlythose elements but may include other elements not expressly listed orinherent to such process, method, system, article, or apparatus.

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications,U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applicationsand non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/orlisted in any Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein byreference, to the extent not inconsistent herewith.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is: 1.-384. (canceled)
 385. A positional applicatordevice for applying a stretchable electronic device to a surface of abody, comprising: a signal emitter positioned to direct an emittedsignal toward a surface of a body; a signal receiver positioned todetect a return signal from the surface of the body, the return signaloriginating with the emitted signal directed from the signal emitter; acontroller including circuitry operably connected to the signal emitterand to the signal receiver, the circuitry configured to compare theemitted signal with the return signal to identify features of the body,and circuitry configured to compare the identified features of the bodywith a representation of at least one nerve stimulator integrated in thestretchable electronic device; a user interface operably attached to thecontroller; and an applicator of a size and shape to place thestretchable electronic device in contact with the surface of the body,the applicator positioned and structured to apply, in response to thecontroller, the stretchable electronic device to a position on thesurface of the body relative to the representation of features of thebody and the representation of at least one nerve stimulator integratedin the stretchable electronic device.
 386. The positional applicatordevice of claim 385, wherein the signal emitter comprises: an opticalsignal emitter.
 387. The positional applicator device of claim 385,wherein the signal emitter comprises: an ultrasound emitter.
 388. Thepositional applicator device of claim 385, wherein the signal emittercomprises: an RF emitter.
 389. The positional applicator device of claim385, wherein the controller comprises: electronic memory includinginformation regarding features of the body.
 390. The positionalapplicator device of claim 389, wherein the information regardingfeatures of the body includes information regarding subsurface nervestructure.
 391. The positional applicator device of claim 389, whereinthe information regarding features of the body includes informationregarding subsurface blood vessels.
 392. The positional applicatordevice of claim 389, wherein the information regarding features of thebody includes information regarding subsurface musculature.
 393. Thepositional applicator device of claim 385, wherein the user interfacecomprises: a display.
 394. The positional applicator device of claim385, wherein the user interface comprises: one or more light indicators.395. The positional applicator device of claim 385, wherein the userinterface comprises: one or more sound emitters.
 396. A positionalapplicator device for applying a stretchable electronic device to asurface of a body, comprising: a holder for a stretchable electronicdevice; a signal emitter positioned to direct an emitted signal toward asurface of a body; a signal receiver positioned to detect a returnsignal from the surface of the body, the return signal originating withthe emitted signal directed from the signal emitter; a controllerincluding circuitry operably connected to the signal emitter and to thesignal receiver, the circuitry configured to compare the emitted signalwith the return signal to form a representation of features of the body,and circuitry configured to compare the representation of features ofthe body with a representation of at least one nerve stimulatorintegrated in the stretchable electronic device; a user interfaceoperably attached to the controller; a positioner operably affixed tothe holder, the positioner positioned and structured to apply, inresponse to the controller, the stretchable electronic device to aposition on the surface of the body relative to the representation offeatures of the body and the representation of at least one nervestimulator integrated in the stretchable electronic device; and anapplicator of a size and shape to place the stretchable electronicdevice in contact with the surface of the body, the applicator operablyattached to the controller.
 397. The positional applicator device ofclaim 386, wherein the signal emitter comprises: an optical signalemitter.
 398. The positional applicator device of claim 386, wherein thesignal emitter comprises: an ultrasound emitter.
 399. The positionalapplicator device of claim 386, wherein the signal emitter comprises: anRF emitter.
 400. The positional applicator device of claim 386, whereinthe controller comprises: electronic memory including informationregarding features of the body.
 401. The positional applicator device ofclaim 400, wherein the information regarding features of the bodyincludes information regarding subsurface nerve structure.
 402. Thepositional applicator device of claim 400, wherein the informationregarding features of the body includes information regarding subsurfaceblood vessels.
 403. The positional applicator device of claim 400,wherein the information regarding features of the body includesinformation regarding subsurface musculature.
 404. The positionalapplicator device of claim 386, further comprising: a user interface.405. The positional applicator device of claim 404, wherein the userinterface comprises: a display.
 406. The positional applicator device ofclaim 404, wherein the user interface comprises: one or more lightindicators.
 407. The positional applicator device of claim 404, whereinthe user interface comprises: one or more sound emitters.
 408. Apositional applicator device for applying a stretchable electronicdevice to a surface of a body, comprising: a holder for a stretchableelectronic device; a signal emitter positioned to direct an emittedsignal toward a surface of a body; a signal receiver positioned todetect a return signal from the surface of the body, the return signaloriginating with the emitted signal directed from the signal emitter; acontroller including circuitry operably connected to the signal emitterand to the signal receiver, the circuitry configured to compare theemitted signal with the return signal to form a representation offeatures of the body, and circuitry configured to compare therepresentation of features of the body with a representation of at leastone functional unit integrated in the stretchable electronic device; auser interface operably attached to the controller; a positioneroperably affixed to the holder, the positioner positioned and structuredto apply, in response to the controller, the stretchable electronicdevice to a position on the surface of the body relative to therepresentation of features of the body and the representation of atleast one functional unit integrated in the stretchable electronicdevice; and an applicator of a size and shape to place the stretchableelectronic device in contact with the surface of the body, theapplicator operably attached to the controller.
 409. The positionalapplicator device of claim 408, wherein the signal emitter comprises: anoptical signal emitter.
 410. The positional applicator device of claim408, wherein the signal emitter comprises: an ultrasound emitter. 411.The positional applicator device of claim 408, wherein the signalemitter comprises: an RF emitter.
 412. The positional applicator deviceof claim 408, wherein the controller comprises: electronic memoryincluding information regarding features of the body.
 413. Thepositional applicator device of claim 412, wherein the informationregarding features of the body includes information regarding subsurfacenerve structure.
 414. The positional applicator device of claim 412,wherein the information regarding features of the body includesinformation regarding subsurface blood vessels.
 415. The positionalapplicator device of claim 412, wherein the information regardingfeatures of the body includes information regarding subsurfacemusculature.
 416. The positional applicator device of claim 412, furthercomprising: a user interface.
 417. The positional applicator device ofclaim 416, wherein the user interface comprises: a display.
 418. Thepositional applicator device of claim 416, wherein the user interfacecomprises: one or more light indicators.
 419. The positional applicatordevice of claim 416, wherein the user interface comprises: one or moresound emitters.
 420. The positional applicator device of claim 408,wherein the functional unit comprises: a temperature sensor.
 421. Thepositional applicator device of claim 408, wherein the functional unitcomprises: a pressure sensor.
 422. The positional applicator device ofclaim 408, wherein the functional unit comprises: an accelerometer. 423.The positional applicator device of claim 408, wherein the functionalunit comprises: an electrical sensor.
 424. The positional applicatordevice of claim 408, wherein the functional unit comprises: a magneticsensor.
 425. The positional applicator device of claim 408, wherein thefunctional unit comprises: a tension sensor.
 426. The positionalapplicator device of claim 408, wherein the functional unit comprises:an energy harvesting device.